Nikon telephoto lens

[shutterfly]

Pls recommend a Nikon telephoto lens.

Budget ard 1k - 1.5k.

Main use: Animals, Bird shots

Can be prime or zoom. Image quality most impt. Pls indicate pros and cons if possible. Thanks a lot!!!

[ckwong]

You might want to check out Nikkor 300mm f/4 AF-S with 1.7x (TC-17E). This setup may meet you requirement and budget (without TC).

Hope it helps.

[sykestang]

Originally Posted by ckwong You might want to check out Nikkor 300mm f/4 AF-S with 1.7x (TC-17E). This setup may meet you requirement and budget (without TC). Hope it helps.

AFS version would cost over his budget of $1.5k. Current market price should be in the region of $1.9k for a warrantied one. Maybe you can look for the AF version of this lens. The 2nd hand market price is ard $750-$950 depends on condition. The saving can go for a TC to increase the focal length of the lens. However, Nikon does not have a AF TC than can be use for the AF300 f/4 ED lens. Maybe you can try the Kenko Pro 300.

Personally I would prefer the AF version as the front diameter is bigger than the current AFS version, 82mm vs 77mm, and both lens does have ED elements to give the well known contrast and colour reproduction that ED elements can perform. But of cos, the focusing speed of the AFS version is not to be forgotten.

Hope this info helps.

[shutterfly]

Does that mean the AF version is no longer in production?

[Terence]

The AF version has been out of production for some years now but it's still a killer lens and represents good value for money at the used price of around $900-$1000 for a good copy.

I got one for sale if anyone interested. Drop me an email at tt@taysty.com

[ellery]

On a total seperate solution angle - if you have either the 80-200/2.8afs or the new VR unit, getting a TC17 or a TC20 will make this a 340 and 400mm at 200mm on the lens. F stop would be some where about F5.6 and a half / F4.

The slight degradation of the TC may mean it could lose out to a 300mm prime but the difference is small - some where in the 5% to 10% range.

Upside is the cost is way way with in budget. If you find you need a faster 300 or 400 then you would be ready for big glass.

[Xiao_shin]

80-200mm (2 touch) with a kenko TC will fit the bill nicely.

[yanyewkay]

Originally Posted by ellery On a total seperate solution angle - if you have either the 80-200/2.8afs or the new VR unit, getting a TC17 or a TC20 will make this a 340 and 400mm at 200mm on the lens. F stop would be some where about F5.6 and a half / F4. The slight degradation of the TC may mean it could lose out to a 300mm prime but the difference is small - some where in the 5% to 10% range. Upside is the cost is way way with in budget. If you find you need a faster 300 or 400 then you would be ready for big glass.

VR and TC can work together?

[kerpalz]

for what i know... oni the new TC-17 can work with VR

[markccm]

I have tried the Kenko Pro 300 on the Nikkor 70-200 F2.8 VR.

The VR still works, only thing F-stop becomes F5.6
Which is correct.
AF-S also works.

So i can assure u the Kenko works with AF-S & VR.